In recent years K-Beauty has made its mark on the beauty industry thanks to innovative formulas, aesthetic packaging and affordability. Whether or not you are looking to adopt the famous 10 step Korean skincare routine, a toner will help to exfoliate dead skin cells and hydrate skin for a dewy complexion.
In this article, we'll go over the best ingredients for dry, sensitive and acne-prone skin, like BHA and hyaluronic acid. To keep it short: we have included vegan, cruelty-free, and fragrance-free toners to present a comprehensively researched and curated guide on the best products out there. We've even ranked our chosen selection of 10 Korean toners making it easier for you to make the best purchase for your skin.
Quick List - Top Korean Toners
AHC
Special Blend of Mineral-Enriched Ingredients for an Instant Glow Via
Klairs
Gel Formula That Leaves Sensitive and Dry Skin Feeling Refreshed
SOME BY MI
Toner Infused With Tea Tree Extract and Suitable for All Skin Types
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Although all toners are hydrating, there are some which are specifically formulated for those with dry skin types.To lock-in moisture, instead of stripping it, make sure that the toner you are using is alcohol-free. This is because alcohol has a tendency to be extremely drying, which can result in an uneven and dull complexion.
On top of this, you'll want to keep an eye out for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. These key ingredients help to add moisture and balance your skin's pH levels. It's recommended to use a hydrating toner two times a day; once in the morning, and again in the evening after you have cleansed.
Exfoliating your skin on a regular basis helps to break down dead skins cells, preventing clogged pores - which is especially important if you have oily or acne-prone skin! Additionally, if you're looking to achieve the 'glass skin' effect, then regular exfoliation will play a key part in making your complexion clearer, smoother and brighter.
Many of the most loved Korean toners include a number of active ingredients which work to remove dirt and other impurities. These include chemical exfoliants such as AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs, as well as enzymes derived from various fruits .
Some skincare experts and brands suggest only using this type of toner one to three times a week, whereas others recommend using them once a day at night. In regards to how often you should use an exfoliating toner, this depends on what your skin can tolerate and the product itself. If you are using one for the first time, start by using it once a week and gradually increase.
Looking for more K-Beauty faves? Here are the 10 best Korean sheet masks in the UK!
Korean skincare prides itself on its use of natural and organic ingredients, many of which have been used for centuries. Here are some of the key ingredients to look for:
Although the use of animal-derived ingredients may sound daunting and unethical to some, most brands do ensure that these ingredients are extracted in a way which does not harm the animal. For example, skincare brand Cosrx allow snails to roam in an adjusted environment and only extract the mucin left behind.
That said, if you wish to avoid animal ingredients entirely, seek out products that are vegan and cruelty-free.
Another popular skincare item in Korea is facial essence, here's everything you need to know!
Despite the fact fragrance can enhance your skincare experience, it has long been debated whether it actually has any benefits to the skin. For many, especially those with sensitive skin, both artificial and natural fragrances can cause irritation. Fragrance has the potential to inflame skin, leaving it feeling itchy and red.
That said, it's important to note that there is a difference between a product being fragranced or scented. Fragranced means that additional chemicals or natural fragrances have been added to make the product smell nice. Just because a toner has a mild scent to it, this does not mean it will automatically cause irritation!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | AHC Hydrating Aqualuronic Toner | ![]() | Special Blend of Mineral-Enriched Ingredients for an Instant Glow Via | |
2 | I'M From Rice Toner | ![]() | Protect And Calm Skin With This Simple Rice Toner | |
3 | Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner | ![]() | Gel Formula That Leaves Sensitive and Dry Skin Feeling Refreshed | |
4 | SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner | ![]() | Toner Infused With Tea Tree Extract and Suitable for All Skin Types | |
5 | Etude House Moistfull Collagen Facial Toner | ![]() | A Moisturising Toner for Oily and Combination Skin | |
6 | Benton Snail Bee High Content Skin Toner | ![]() | Calm Acne-Prone Skin With Snail Extract and Bee Venom | |
7 | Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner | ![]() | Improve Your Skin’s Condition in Just Two Weeks With This Fragrance-Free Toner | |
8 | ROUND LAB DOKDO Toner | ![]() | Lock In Moisture With This Gentle, Mineral-Rich Toner | |
9 | Haruharu Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner | ![]() | Rejuvenate Tired Skin With Fermented Black Rice | |
10 | Beauty of Joseon Bubble Toner Green Plum + AHA | ![]() | Foaming Exfoliating Toner With Refreshing Green Plum |
Popular within the Korean skincare world, this hydrating facial toner from AHC uses a combination of mineral-enriched ingredients to make skin feel super soft yet firm. Its lightweight formula not only helps your skin absorb the product fast, but makes the application feel refreshing.
Although this toner is aimed at those with dry and normal skin types, users with acne-prone skin have reported that using this product has transformed their skin. So if you decide to give a Korean toner a go, there's no better place to start!
A classic go-to for many K-Beauty fans, this toner by I'M From smoothens, brightens and moisturises skin through the amazing power of rice. If you are focusing on fading dark spots, balancing uneven skin tone and improving elasticity, this is for you!
The consistency of the toner is light and doesn't feel sticky when applied. You'll start to see the difference these natural ingredients make from the first use, which is why it's also recommended for giving tired and dull skin a bit of a boost.
For those with sensitive or dry skin, this toner is going to be a game-changer! Infused with a number of beneficial ingredients including hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica extract and multiple vitamins means that your skin will be left looking plump and feeling smooth.
The inclusion of amino acids helps to remove impurities and the gel-like formula helps the toner absorb seamlessly into your skin. Apply with a cotton pad after cleansing to achieve the best results.
This is an exfoliating toner made with many of the essential ingredients for maintaining healthy skin. These include AHA, BHA and PHA, along with papaya extract, witch hazel and niacinamide. This formulation provides excellent sebum control, helps prevent wrinkles and deeply moisturises the skin.
Although this will work on all skin types, it's most effective for those with acne prone and sensitive skin as extra care has been taken when it comes to the non-comedogenic and low PH formulation. So if your skin is in need of TLC, this will kickstart the healing process.
We all want our skin to look plump, dewy and youthful. Luckily, these results can be achieved with this lightweight toner! Combining the benefits of collagen water and lupine protein, Etude House's Moistfull Collagen Facial Toner deeply hydrates and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
Free from silicone oils, this is a great choice for those looking to avoid potential skin irritants. It's also a fantastic option for those with oily or combination skin!
This dermatologically tested toner will help to protect and heal blemished skin. It has a lightweight, liquid formula which is super hydrating, leaving you with a radiant complexion.
Although this toner offers a myriad of benefits, it's unfortunately not suitable for vegans due to the inclusion of snail extract and bee venom. That said, these ingredients are some of the best in the skincare world as they posses anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties!
Looking to improve the condition of your skin? Well, you can in a matter of two weeks by using this revolutionary toner from the brand Pyunkang Yul. What makes it so special is the fact it contains 91.3% Milk Vetch root extract, an ingredient known for its replenishing properties.
Being free from artificial fragrances and colours means that it's very unlikely to cause irritation. Instead, your skin will receive the ultimate treatment for improving elasticity and achieving a dewy finish. A great first toner for beginners!
Simple yet effective, this toner works to treat blackheads and clean pores whilst helping to retain moisture within the skin. Using a combination of key ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, panthenol and macadamia seed oil, this product effectively locks in moisture for improved hydration.
What's so unique about this product is the fact that it uses deep seawater from Ulleung Island, which is rich in minerals. If you are looking for a great everyday toner, this is the one we recommend!
If your skin is feeling extremely sensitive and dry, this is the toner to use. Although there are so many amazing ingredients found within this product, the standout has to be fermented oryza sativa (rice) extract, otherwise known as Black Rice.
Black Rice is full of anti-oxidants and can enhance the firmness of your skin. Historically, it was so coveted that in Ancient China only royalty and the rich and had access to it! If this wasn't enough, it's suitable for all skin types, vegan, cruelty-free and fragrance free.
Beauty of Joseon have created the perfect scented toner which both hydrates and exfoliates skin. The formula consists of traditional Korean herbal medicine, AHA and plum water, which all work together to make your skin look fresh and smell of ripe plums.
Another great benefit is that this toner is dispensed as a foam, making it is easy to apply the right amount to your face. However, some users have noted how it does leave a tingling sensation when first applied.
Written and researched by Jane Pipkin
No. 1: AHC |Hydrating Aqualuronic Toner
No. 2: I'M From|Rice Toner
No. 3: Klairs|Supple Preparation Facial Toner
No. 4: SOME BY MI|AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
No. 5: Etude House |Moistfull Collagen Facial Toner
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